Cornwall to Sweden, day 6

Paris, France to Amiens, France

Today was a bit of a step over the edge, the toughest day of cycling so far. 

Getting out of Paris was as slow as I expected, but I managed to do most of it on cycle lanes this time making it pretty enjoyable and painless. Google Maps app saves the day again! Even came across the huge Stade de France en route by chance which was very impressive, though not so much so as Wembley (of course).

Once out of the city though, the going got tough purely due to the relentless heat - 36º today! I went through ten big bike bottles of water and that wasn't nearly enough. It was a constant challenge just to keep finding places to get it. And worst of all was that I cycled over 94 miles in it!

Hanging out by the cool and refreshing fish chiller in a supermarket was a welcome relief for a bit. Though I was soon distracted by a local French delicacy which I thought I'd buy for tea tonight, until I found the hostel I'm staying in hasn't got a kitchen. Oh well, horse steak tomorrow night then!

Today's route

Cornwall to Sweden - day 5

Rouen, France to Paris, France

Completely overwealming. Cycling into Paris today has to be one of the most memorable experiences of my life. I kid you not!

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The first half of the ride this morning was on a a switch-off-and-pedal straight road for 50 miles, which was just about OK despite the constant headwinds and 32 deg heat. As I nearest Paris the road turned into dual carriageway so I split off but the going got slower. Eventually around 25 miles from the centre, I hit the outskirts of Paris which is where the fun really began.

I've never needed to be been so alert - you have to keep your eyes on everything and everyone every second; theres always someone doing something ignorant. Beeping, cutting up, pedestrians, road narrowing, road widening, potholes, traffic lights. Non stop. There was no obvious route to the centre away from the highways, and the odd cycle route seemed to start then disappear into obscurity. The city is way bigger than I could imagine.

Eventually I neared the centre and in the evening sun, cruised through the skyscraper area then up the Champs-Élysées, eventually getting to the Arc De Triumph where the traffic was nothing short of mental. I even rode round half of it. Never again! The whole place just looked absolutely beautiful though at that time of day.

So 92 miles later and knackered, despite all the possibilities it ended up being perfectly safe.

Apart from that right at the end, I pulled out onto an empty street, my chain slipped and for the first time since I was 15 I crashed onto the road! Grazed limbs, bruised ego. Couldn't help but laugh!